Founding institutions reaffirm focus on student development and innovation
The Rhenock Educational Society observed its 36th foundation day on Tuesday at the Harkamaya College of Education and Damber Singh College campus located at 6th Mile, Tadong. The event brought together the society's leadership, college principals, faculty, students and invited guests to mark more than three decades of educational work in the state.
Presiding as the chief guest, Sikkim University registrar Pratap Keshari Dash highlighted the role of educational organisations in shaping future citizens and urged students to sustain efforts towards their aspirations. Former bureaucrat CP Dewan attended as guest of honour. The founder director of the society, Dr HP Chhetri, was also present, alongside principals of the three institutions run by the society: Prof Rajesh Singh (Harkamaya College of Education), Dr NR Bhuyan (Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy) and Dr Arati Chettri (Damber Singh College).
Participants included faculty members and students from the institutions under the society’s umbrella. Speaking at the ceremony, the chief guest congratulated the society on its milestone and emphasised the importance of educational institutions in producing responsible, well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the nation’s progress.
History and institutions under the society
The Rhenock Educational Society began operations in 1990 with a stated purpose of expanding educational access across Sikkim. In the same founding year the society established the Himalayan Pharmacy Institute (HPI), which continues to operate from Majhitar near Rangpo. Damber Singh College followed in 1994, and Harkamaya College of Education was set up in 2003. Together these three institutions form the core of the society’s academic activities.
| Institution | Location | Year established |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy (HPI) | Majhitar, near Rangpo | 1990 |
| Damber Singh College | 6th Mile, Tadong (campus shared) | 1994 |
| Harkamaya College of Education | 6th Mile, Tadong | 2003 |
Commemoration activities and campus initiative
To mark the anniversary, the chief guest, guest of honour and the founder director participated in a sapling-planting drive on the college campus. The society used the occasion to publicly acknowledge the contributions of present and former faculty, alumni and well-wishers who have supported its work over 36 years.
- Ceremony held at Harkamaya College of Education and Damber Singh College campus, 6th Mile, Tadong.
- Chief guest: Sikkim University registrar Pratap Keshari Dash; guest of honour: CP Dewan.
- Founder director: Dr HP Chhetri; principals of three institutions attended.
Organisers reiterated the society’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality education while keeping pace with evolving global technologies and pedagogical innovations. The leadership said it intends to continue supporting students and faculty as they adapt to new educational tools and methods.
Local impact and future outlook
Over its 36-year history, the society's colleges have provided opportunities for students from across Sikkim to pursue professional and teacher-education programmes locally. The presence of a pharmacy institute, teacher training college and general degree college under one managing body allows for cross-institutional collaboration that can benefit students through shared resources and joint initiatives.
While the foundation-day event focused on celebration, the speeches and campus activities underscored longer-term goals: strengthening academic standards, integrating new technologies into teaching, and preparing students for the needs of a changing job market. The society also signalled appreciation for past contributors, acknowledging that sustained community and faculty support has been central to its continuity.
The society’s public message on the day combined congratulations for the past 36 years with a forward-looking emphasis on innovation, civic responsibility and the continued development of model citizens who will assume leadership roles in the future.
